When a person you've worked with closely leaves a job it can be difficult to say goodbye. In many workplaces it is tradition to give a departing coworker a farewell gift as a token of respect, affection and/or friendship.

Often it is a good idea is to pool resources with other coworkers and choose a group gift, or if you prefer, you can select one on your own. Either way of sharing a gift is a nice gesture to give a coworker before they leave your place of employment.

Choosing a farewell gift for some colleagues is easy, but for others it may be more difficult to correctly choose the right gift. There are various things to consider when choosing a farewell gift, such as their likes or hobbies, your working relationship and how much you want to spend.

For the latter while you don't want to buy a gift that looks cheap, it also may be inappropriate or beyond a budget to purchase a more pricey gift. The cost of the gift doesn't matter so much as the thought and effort put into choosing the gift. Often the best farewell gifts are ones that are very thoughtful and chosen specifically for the individual rather than a generic gift.

Specially chosen gifts are usually the most touching and treasured. Here are a few ideas for farewell gifts you can share with a coworker before they move on to the next journey of their life or professional career:

*Photographs

If you have a close working relationship or friendship with your coworker, you might want to consider framing a special group photo or putting together a small photo album that highlights important events, days or everyday shots that may have been taken in the workplace; you can even do this on a CD.

*Desk Items

Engraved or personalized desk items are always an appropriate choice for colleagues. If the reason they are leaving the job is due to a new promotion or better job offer, they may appreciate items that will remind them of their friends from their former job and will be useful in their new job.

If the job is one that is in the field and not a desk job, other items can be tools, planners or other useful items that may assist them in their specific industry.

*Commemorative Plaque

A nice farewell gift is to have a plaque engraved that commemorates your coworker's time with the company. You can have their name, organization name, dates of service or any other special details. A plaque is a nice keepsake that many coworkers would appreciate.

*Gift Certificates

These aren't as personalized, but can also be an appropriate farewell gift. You can choose a generic gift certificate, or one to a favorite store or restaurant.

There are really many ideas of farewell gifts, these are only a handful of ideas. What's most important when selecting a farewell gift for a coworker is to put thought into the gift which is appropriate to the working relationship.

A farewell gift is a nice gesture when it comes time to say goodbye to someone in the workplace.

Learn more about this author, Leigh Goessl.
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